Event Recap – AI and Computational Biology

On April 16 the ORT hosted a panel discussion with three speakers who have successfully transitioned from graduate school to careers in computational biology and AI. Chien Ting (Jimmy) Hsu completed his PhD in biophysics at McGill University and now works at a vaccine development company, Eyam Health. Heather Gibling earned her PhD in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto and now works at Public Health Ontario. Jonathan Broadbent received his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Toronto, and currently works for Sanofi. Their insights on navigating the shift from academia to industry offered valuable takeaways for trainees considering a similar path.

Landing the First Job: From Applications to Interviews

Each speaker followed a unique path into their first industry job:

• Jimmy took a more traditional approach – he applied to jobs on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed before going through a multi-stage interview including a phone interview, a panel and final round interview with the CEO!
• Heather had been eyeing public health roles and reached out through her network once a position opened—showcasing the power of staying connected.
• Jonathan was approached by Sanofi and leveraged the opportunity to apply and interview. He completed both technical and behavioural interviews, which he said were focused more on problem-solving skills than coding.

From Grad School to Industry: Transferable Skills

All three panelists emphasized how their graduate training prepared them for their current roles. Coding experience, data analysis, and scientific communication were especially valuable. Heather noted that many of the technical skills she honed during her PhD—like building analytic pipelines and data visualization—directly translated to her current work.  Her experience as a teaching assistant also comes in handy when training junior scientists.

Jonathan highlighted the importance of confidently navigating unknowns. “Knowing when to say ‘I don’t know’ is a skill,” he shared, emphasizing the value of curiosity and adaptability. Jimmy added that collaboration and time management, especially across time zones, became crucial in his remote job. All three agreed that presenting complex topics as a graduate student to broad audiences helped them become a more effective communicator, which they continue to apply today.

Adjusting to the Industry Environment: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Transitioning from academia to industry often means navigating unfamiliar grounds, expectations, and team dynamics—challenges that can fuel imposter syndrome, especially early on. Our panelists reflected on how they managed these changes and grew into their new roles.

For Heather, the biggest shift was moving from the flexible, independent nature of her PhD to a more structured government setting with defined expectations, workflows, and timelines. While the adjustment required her to give up some autonomy, she embraced the more collaborative nature of her role.

Jonathan shared that entering his first corporate role at Sanofi came with an internal pressure to immediately prove himself. Surrounded by professionals, he sometimes questioned whether he truly belonged. He emphasized that companies don’t expect you to know everyone on day one – they hire you because they see your potential and believe you’re worth investing in.

Jimmy emphasized the challenge of maintaining clear communication and connection with colleagues across time zones. To overcome this, he pointed out the value of transparency in boosting productivity. For example, using shared strategies to stay connected, like a live Google Doc where his team members could track progress and updates.

Adjusting to industry clearly requires adaptability and open-mindedness –seek support and allow yourself time to learn. Recognize your strengths, be open to growth, and understand that you bring a unique perspective that’s highly valued outside the academic world!

Advice to Trainees:

• Start early. Begin exploring job options and learning industry-relevant language during grad school.
• Don’t wait for perfection. Get something working, then iterate and resolve.
• Ask for help. Whether it’s from mentors or online communities, support is essential.
• Invest in upskilling. Workshops like the Canadian Bioinformatics Workshop Series, Coursera courses (e.g., DeepLearning.ai), and clinical research modules can bridge knowledge gaps.

Final Thoughts One theme was clear: graduate students bring cutting-edge thinking to industry. From coding, critical thinking, to scientific creativity—you’d be surprised at how these skills are in-demand.

Learn more about the event and speakers here.